1. MTF Rail Development Forum
Avalon Airport, Melbourne Airport & Doncaster Rail Studies
15 August 2011

2. Avalon Airport Rail Link Study

3. Project Outline
The Avalon Airport Rail Link project is investigating options for a rail corridor to Avalon Airport, to allow a direct connection with Melbourne and Geelong.
The State Government has committed $3 million over two years for planning and development of the project.

4. Project Benefits A rail link to Avalon Airport will:
provide a high standard public transport service for people travelling to and from Avalon Airport
support the development of Avalon Airport and help secure its future as Melbourne's second international airport
support growth of economic and employment opportunities by helping to attract airlines, jobs, visitors and investment into Victoria
Facilitate improved freight access

5. Current Status Finalising team mobilisation.
The project is in its early planning stage, which involves a range of technical, economic and environmental investigations background investigations.
Engagement with the community and stakeholders will commence over the coming months.

6. Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study

7. Study Background
On the 3 May 2011, the Minister for Public transport announced $6.5m commitment to undertake a study into a rail line to Melbourne Airport.
The 2 year study will be conducted by the Department of Transport and will be transitioned across to the new Victorian Public Transport Development Authority once established.
The study will examine routes for a rail line linking Melbourne Airport to the city. Key objectives include:
understand the feasibility of building a frequent and reliable rail link to Melbourne Airport;
explore integrated transport and land-use opportunities to ensure Melbourne remains competitive with Sydney, Brisbane and international cities; and
help reduce congestion on the Tullamarine freeway and local transport networks.

8. Project Description
The study will examine a number of routes for a rail line linking Melbourne Airport with the city. It will:
recommend preferred rail alignment
investigate options for station locations
include technical investigations
understand future patronage demand
understand impacts on existing bus services and transport networks
consider context of Federal Government’s High Speed Rail Initiative
include consultation with key stakeholders, businesses and communities

9. Status Planning for the study has now commenced
Finalising team mobilisation
Preliminary discussions have commenced with key stakeholders

10. Doncaster Rail Study

11. Background
On 3 May 2011, the Minister for Public Transport announced that $6.5 million would be provided for a detailed study into a Doncaster heavy rail link
The study will examine a number of routes for a heavy rail line linking Doncaster to the city

13. History
Railway to Doncaster was a rail network development proposed in the 1969 Transport Plan and was discussed as far back as 1930’s
The 1969 Plan proposed a rail line be built from Victoria Park station via the Eastern Freeway to a terminus near the corner of Blackburn Road and King Streets
In lieu of a rail service, Doncaster has been serviced with direct, frequent bus routes to the city along the Eastern Freeway

14. Project Description
The project will explore options for providing a high quality heavy rail link from Doncaster to the city. These options will include and consider:
Technical investigations into different routes
Improved integrated transport opportunities for commuters
Future patronage demand in the medium to long term
Integration with future operational and strategic plans for the rail network
Location of proposed railway stations

15. Study Leader
An independent study leader will be appointed to bring together the findings of specialist advice and report to the government
They will be a specialist consultancy with extensive transport experience and skills needed to independently interpret and report on technical investigations
The project leader will:
coordinate and manage work undertaken by the project team
lead discussions and briefings from a transport, land-use and community perspective
develop the final study report with recommendations, including an assessment of how to best minimise impact

16. Project Scope
It is proposed that the study will be undertaken in two phases
Phase 1 will encompass a high level assessment of all relevant issues and available options
An options report is expected in mid 2012
Phase 2 is expected to commence in mid 2012
It will encompass further detailed development of a preferred option subject to the findings of Phase 1
It will take particular note of community and stakeholder feedback captured during Phase 1
Once commenced, Phase 2 is expected to take a further 12 months to complete

17. Next steps
DOT have briefed suitable consultants to undertake the study. The briefs include:
Engineering Design & Costing
Environmental & Heritage
Transport Planning & Operational Assessment
Demographics, Land Use and Economics
Consultation & Communication
Transport Modelling
Social Impact
It is expected the tender and evaluation period for the specialist studies will be completed within the next 2 months
DOT have commenced preliminary consultation with local government

18. Communications & Consultation

19. Consultation and Communications
Community and Stakeholder input will be an integral part of all the studies. Feedback will help each project ensure interests of key stakeholders and community are reflected in the studies.
Appropriate opportunities for stakeholder and community input will be identified by each project team throughout the progress of the study.
Consultation will likely include but not be limited to:
Local government briefings
Community workshops
technical workshops
Targeted interviews
Public submissions
An informative and interactive online forum
The community will have various opportunities to offer feedback and get involved in the study as it progresses.

20. Questions ?